Friday, November 17, 2017

Week 67: November 13, 2017 - Winter?

So Elder Zeller and I have been having many discussions on when
winter, and by extension, Christmas, starts. Out on Amami the weathers
bright and warm, so weather can't help us. We don't have thanksgiving
(though pday will be on thanksgiving, next Thursday, instead of
Monday), so that can't end fall. But, they do play Christmas music in
Japan. When we went shopping today, blasting through all the isles was
classic 'Sleigh ride', 'Rudolph', and 'Santa Claus is coming to town'.
So, I think I've caved, before the turkey was even carved, but it's
crazy to be out in winter again!

In addition to finding Christmas in the middle of the Pacific Ocean,
we also were able to work through our English class to find more
people interested in their divine potential! Before English this week
we met with Chika, an older gentleman that's been around missionaries
forever. But, somehow, he has never been in the right situation to
listen to the message before. As we talked, he brought forth all types
of questions, central among them the possibility of him meeting his
parents again. I was so glad that we could answer in the affirmative,
that yes, through the grace and mercy of God we all can meet our
parents, our friends, and all others who have passed on, as we choose
to follow Him in this life. It's an amazing promise, but it lit up his
face so much, and was a pleasure to share.

It's experiences like that and Nishihara, another person that we have
started to work with, that make the dark parts, the hard parts, the
slow parts, all disappear. To be able to sit across the table from
someone who can't logically believe God exists, and to have the
knowledge that He does is something that's priceless. Logic alone can
neither prove nor disprove the existence of a divine being. There are
to many variables. But we all have the power to feel that in our
hearts, to have that testimony develop through the small things, such
as simply asking Him. He will answer.

I've been lifted by angels and all of your prayers, and I love all of
you! You help me remember that as we turn to God, all our problems,
even related to bikes, disappear!

Love,
Elder Woodhouse


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